Sanders is working with what he’s got, but it’s clear that democrats refuse to actually make primaries democratic. They’re inherently undemocratic with so much importance placed on the early states that by the time the later states get their chance, it’s already been decided. There is a reason why democrats moved South Carolina up for the primary schedule of 2024 even though Biden was running practically unopposed.

The only performance being played out here is the performance of the “democratic” process which is like handing a kid a toy steering wheel and making them think they’re driving the car. You’re clapping along thinking the system works and you fiercely defend it against any criticism. In fact, you’re so uncomfortable with questioning the system that you admit that you feel reluctant to mention support for any candidate that could possibly be associated with the idea that the process is not the perfect democratic process you think it is.